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What is pulmonary embolus?
A pulmonary embolus is most often caused by a blood clot in a vein, especially a vein in the leg or in the pelvis (hip area). The most common cause is a blood clot in one of the deep veins of the legs. This type of clot is called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
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pulmonary embolus information from trusted sources:
Pulmonary embolus
A pulmonary embolus is a blockage of an artery in the lungs by fat, air, a blood clot, or tumor cells. Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov
Pulmonary Embolism
A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot in the lung. It usually comes from smaller vessels in the leg, pelvis, arms, or heart. When a clot forms in the legs or arms, it is referred to as a deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The clot travels through the vessels of the lung continuing to reach smaller vessels until it becomes wedged in a vessel that is too small to allow it to continue farther. The clot gets wedged and prevents any further blood from traveling to that section of the lung. Read more on
www.emedicinehealth.com
Pulmonary Embolism
Pulmonary embolism is a condition that occurs when one or more arteries in your lungs become blocked. In most cases, pulmonary embolism is caused by blood clots that travel to your lungs from another part of your body most commonly, your legs. Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com
Pulmonary Embolism
Pulmonary (PUL-mo-ner-ee) embolism (EM-boh-lizm) is the sudden blockage of an artery (blood vessel) in the lungs by an embolus. An embolus is usually a blood clot, but may also be fat, air, or tumor cells that are in the blood stream. With a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot may break loose from the blood vessels of the legs. The clot goes to the lungs where it plugs or blocks a blood vessel. The embolism can cut off the blood supply to that part of the lungs. Pulmonary embolism is a serious condition. Chances of survival are better with early diagnosis and treatment. Read more on
www.pdrhealth.com
Pulmonary Embolism: eMedicine Emergency Medicine
Sep 10, 2010 ... Overview: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common and potentially lethal condition that can cause death in all age groups. Read more on
emedicine.medscape.com
Pulmonary embolism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage of the main artery of the lung or one of its branches by a substance that has travelled from elsewhere in the body ... Read more on
en.wikipedia.org
Pulmonary Embolism Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and ...
Mar 16, 2011 ... A pulmonary embolism (PE) happens when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in the one of the body's large veins (known as deep vein thrombosis or ... Read more on
www.medicinenet.com
Pulmonary embolism, block in lung artery
A pulmonary embolism is a sudden blockage in a lung artery. Read more on
www.nhlbi.nih.gov
Pulmonary Embolism Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Jan 29, 2009 ... Information on pulmonary embolism, the sudden blockage of an artery in the lung. Read more on
www.webmd.com
Pulmonary Embolism Information ~ APSFA
Nov 13, 2010 ... A pulmonary embolism (PULL-mun-ary EM-bo-lizm) is a sudden blockage in a lung artery, usually due to a blood clot that traveled to the lung ... Read more on
www.apsfa.org
Contents
Exams and Tests
The following lab tests may be done to see how well your lungs are working:Arterial blood gases; Pulse oximetry; Chest x-ray ; CT angiogram of the chest; Pulmonary ventilation/perfusion scan; Pulmonary angiogram ; Chest CT scan; Chest MRI scan ; D-dimer level; Doppler ultrasound exam of an extremity ; ECG ; Echocardiogram ; Plethysmography of the legs; Venography of the legs
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Medical advice
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have symptoms of pulmonary embolus.
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Outlook (Prognosis)
It is difficult to predict how well a patient will do. Often, the outlook is related to what put the person at risk for pulmonary embolism (for example, cancer, major surgery, trauma). In cases of severe pulmonary embolism, where shock and heart failure occur, the death rate may be greater than 50%.
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Possible Complications
Heart failure or shock Heart palpitations Pulmonary hypertension Severe breathing difficulty Severe bleeding (usually a complication of treatment) Sudden death
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Prevention
Preventing deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is very important, especially in people at high risk. To help prevent DVT, move your legs often or take a stroll during long plane trips, car trips, and other situations in which you are sitting or lying down for long periods of time. Walking and staying active as soon as possible after surgery or during a long-term medical illness can also reduce your risk.
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Symptoms
Other symptoms that may occur: Chest pain Under the breastbone or on one side; Especially sharp or stabbing; also may be a burning, aching, or dull, heavy sensation; May get worse with deep breathing, coughing, eating, bending, or stooping (person may bend over or hold his or her chest in response to the pain); Cough Begins suddenly; May cough up blood or blood-streaked sputum ; Rapid breathing ; Rapid heart rate ; Shortness of breath May occur at rest or during activity; Starts suddenly; Anxiety...
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Treatment
Emergency treatment and a hospital stay are often necessary. The aim is to prevent new clots from forming. Oxygen therapy may be required to maintain normal oxygen levels. In cases of severe, life-threatening pulmonary embolism, treatment may involve dissolving the clot and preventing new clots from forming. Treatment to dissolve clots is called thrombolytic therapy. Clot-dissolving medications include: Streptokinase, t-PA. Treatment to prevent clots is called anticoagulation therapy. Such drugs...
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